Chapter 242: Kowtowing at Longyuan Mountain

The boundless universe was like a black sea, with no end in sight; the twinkling stars became uncertain lights floating in the ocean, gathering together to form a magnificent, vast Milky Way flowing through the sea's center.

Longling (Ye Qin) and Qinghuan strolled through it, making their delicate faces look even more dreamlike.

The two saw a meteorite plummeting, dragging a long tail, countless sparks exploding like myriad fire butterflies leaping from the abyss; after that brief flash came eternal desolation.

Qinghuan was already used to such scenes; similar events happened almost daily, saying, 'This planet has no life or spiritual energy left, naturally heading toward destruction.'

Such planets are common in the universe; to Qinghuan and company, they were no different from a stone by the roadside.

All the scenes looked magnificent and profound, vast and illusory—that is the universe.

Compared to Ye Qin, Qinghuan lacked interest, saying, 'Next time I have the chance I'll bring you to the planet where my sect is located—the scenery there is truly fine; this place is a barren frontier of the star domain, the most desolate spot, dark and dull with nothing to see.'

Along the way, Ye Qin probed Qinghuan for information, gathering much useful news; though he originally wanted to continue talking, he felt a tug from his soul and knew it was time to leave.

Ye Qin showed a regretful expression, saying, 'If I get another chance, I'll certainly visit your fellow cultivator's sect, but I still have something to take care of now.'

Qinghuan said she understood, 'Even so, go ahead and be busy; we will surely meet again.'

After bidding farewell to Qinghuan, Ye Qin did not return directly to Earth but took a detour to Neptune, making sure no one followed before winding his way back toward Earth.

No wonder he was so cautious; if Qinghuan noticed anything amiss, realizing he was deceiving her, it would surely cause further trouble.

Longyuan Mountain was shrouded in misty vapors, seas of clouds rolling, everywhere teeming with life, insect chirps and bird calls unceasing; compared to the cold, dark void of space, it existed like a secluded paradise—two utterly different landscapes.

Ye Qin slowly opened his eyes; perhaps accustomed to endless darkness, the sudden sight of lush greenery everywhere made him feel somewhat unaccustomed.

His expression blank for a moment, he then realized he was already in Longyuan Mountain.

The Northeast Tiger and Yellow Weasel nearby quickly noticed Ye Qin's awakening and hurried over, asking, 'Master, how are you?'

Recalling his experiences in the universe and Qinghuan's words, Ye Qin's expression became extremely complex, showing a rare worry.

Since Ye Qin began cultivation, there have hardly been anything to worry him besides cultivation itself; almost nothing else deserved his concern.

Although the path of cultivation had setbacks and difficulties, at least they were solvable; yet the present situation far exceeded his expectations.

I never imagined there would be a cultivation civilization beyond the universe, let alone that a great sect would build a signal tower near Earth.

Once the signal tower is completed, Earth will soon face relocation.

Imagine if that time came—where would all living beings on Earth go?

Even if relocation didn't happen, the tower's radiation would gradually affect Earth; when disaster struck, it would inflict irreparable damage on the whole planet, a devastating blow to those living upon it.

The current situation is like walking into a dead end—no way forward or back, no hope in sight.

After a moment's thought, Ye Qin decided to speak up, also giving the monsters a mental preparation: 'This time, as your master going to the universe, I have discovered a matter concerning the life and death of Earth.'

Seeing Ye Qin's solemn expression, the monsters' faces shifted slightly, and his following words made them suck in a breath of cold air.

What exactly is it, that could still affect the life and death of Earth?

Ye Qin slowly recounted the events concerning the signal tower, including his earlier strange dream and the later fall of a golden meteorite.

The animals' expressions began with astonishment and surprise, turning into shock; they probably never imagined there would be other cultivation civilizations in the universe.

'Good grief, it turns out humans can cultivate too; on other planets there are so many cultivators, even entire cultivation forces.'

'That Heavenly Sect really has nothing better to do, running over to build some signal tower nearby and wanting to relocate Earth—why don't they just move their own home? They're truly messed up.'

'It's over; if the signal tower gets built, what should we do?'

'This is too serious; not only will humans be affected, but our monster clan and animals will also be impacted.'

'What worries me most is, if a prehistoric catastrophe really breaks out, what should we do?'

'When the lips are gone, the teeth feel the cold'—everyone still understands that principle.

Although they are monsters with spiritual power protecting their bodies, if their homeland were truly destroyed, their habitats and cultivation environments would also be affected—how could they possibly remain unharmed?

Humans cannot escape such misfortune, being the first to suffer; thus they are the second batch.

When the nest is overturned, no egg remains intact; if Earth really encounters something, no living being on it can flee—much less these animals, which haven't cultivated the ability to freely enter and exit space or migrate elsewhere.

Even if they could, most likely would not want to abandon their homeland and move far away.

'Master, what should we do? We must think of a solution.'

'Indeed, we absolutely cannot just wait for death.'

'If that signal tower really gets built, won't we become fish on a chopping board?'

The monsters looked anxious; although Ye Qin certainly knew of the consequences they described, the key is he now faces not an individual but an enormous cultivation sect.

According to Qinghuan's description, the Heavenly Sect is an ancient cultivation civilization with immense power and countless disciples.

Regarding the cultivation system and realms of these cosmic civilizations, Ye Qin worried about revealing his ignorance before Qinghuan, so he didn't ask in detail; but seeing Qinghuan able to roam freely in the universe, he guessed their level must still be quite high.

Moreover, speaking of such an ancient sect as the Heavenly Sect, even Qinghuan greatly fears it.

According to Qinghuan, their signal tower is already half-built and cannot be abandoned midway; once completed, even if the Heavenly Sect does not intervene, the tower's radiation will disturb Earth, producing a series of problems and disasters.

All these things are like a sword hanging over one's head, ready to fall at any moment; Ye Qin felt a headache for the first time.

On Earth, only Ye Qin's strength is fairly decent; although the monster clan surpasses ordinary people, compared to these cultivation civilizations they lack numerical advantage and their strength is vastly inferior.

Take Qinghuan as an example: although Ye Qin has never sparred with her, from her aura her strength seems extraordinary.

After all, these cultivation civilizations have existed for thousands or even tens of thousands of years, whereas these monsters have only just survived their heavenly tribulation; the two sides are worlds apart.

One problem after another surged into Ye Qin's mind; despite painstaking thought, he could not quickly devise a good countermeasure, given the vast disparity between the sides—no aspect makes it easy to respond.

Besides, the old turtle beside him noticed Ye Qin's distress, seeing the monsters chattering, and quickly said, 'Stop talking, let the master rest quietly!'

Seeing Ye Qin's grim expression, the monsters fell silent, fearing to disturb him; the worry in their beastly eyes grew ever heavier.

Since the monsters first gained consciousness, they had never seen Ye Qin show such an expression, indicating this matter is truly thorny.

Even the Northeast Tiger, whose voice is usually loud and coarse, lowered it cautiously now, asking, 'Master, is there anything we can help with?'

After thinking for a long time, Ye Qin could not devise a perfect solution; for now he can only take things step by step.

Fortunately, according to Qinghuan, the signal tower's completion time is uncertain due to many factors; there should still be a considerable period, giving Earth a chance to catch its breath.

'The signal tower hasn't been built yet, so destructive disaster won't strike for now, and the Heavenly Sect currently has no plan to act against Earth; therefore we should use this time to train hard, preparing for any change.'

'Don't overthink it now; the key is to raise your cultivation level—only by becoming strong yourself can you calmly face the upcoming impact.'

Put simply, it's because the Heavenly Dao on Earth's side is deficient and spiritual aura is insufficient.

Initially, I could set foot on the path of cultivation also because, after my enlightenment, I sensed the Heaven-Earth Qi.

And why couldn't the ancient sages cultivate? It was also due to the Heavenly Dao's deficiency and lack of spiritual aura.

If Earth had not had my sudden enlightenment, I might never have set foot on the path of cultivation.

Thus, the number of beings able to cultivate is too few; if it were like other cultivation civilizations in the universe, possessing great strength and many cultivators, they would not fear the existence of the Signal Tower.

Ye Qin had a premonition that, in the days ahead, he would stir up many troubles, and life would no longer be as peaceful as before.

Earth's major problem is coming.

At this moment he couldn't help but feel grateful for his earlier foresight, having brought those ancient people out from fragments of time; they all possessed extraordinary talent, only limited by Heaven and Earth, and once they recover, they will surely have considerable strength, becoming a force not to be underestimated in this world.

For humans, cultivation is troublesome, but these ancient ones are different; after the precipitation of time, and with Ye Qin using spiritual soil to help them reshape their bodies, if they are ever reborn, they will innately be able to absorb spiritual aura, and their cultivation speed will be a thousand miles a day.

This also counts as Earth's formidable strength.

"Master previously let the golden-haired monkeys and the golden eagle go out; now it seems we must speed up. After a while, Master will have you all move out together."

Originally Ye Qin's plan was to proceed step by step, but now, learning that there is a cultivation civilization beyond the realm, and not knowing when the Signal Tower will be completed, under these various threats he must accelerate.

Otherwise, by then he won't even have the strength to retaliate.

The monsters all nodded, their faces heavy, and left.

Afterward, the monsters of Longyuan Mountain, as if injected with chicken blood, began cultivating day and night, and Ye Qin's words also gave them a great sense of crisis.

With pressure comes motivation; previously they thought this world was simple, and only Ye Qin and the monster clan could cultivate, plus those ancient people brought back later by the master.

But now they realize that what they see is merely the tip of the cosmic iceberg; beyond the realm there are other, far stronger cultivation civilizations and cultivators.

Their cultivation is not only for themselves, but also to better protect their homeland!

The Great Sage Monkey King and the golden eagle were unaware of this, but at this moment the Great Sage Monkey King leading the beast tide is advancing toward Longyuan Mountain!

Regarding this great migration of Mount Hua, it tugs at the hearts of countless Daxia people.

Whether in recent news reports or hot searches, related topics keep emerging; it's no exaggeration to say that the attention of over half the nation's people is drawn to the beast tide.

By comparison, the officials' attitude is no longer the earlier tension and panic, gradually becoming calm.

Because these beast tides not only harm no humans or livestock, nor destroy their homes and lands, but actually help rescue people! It truly shatters their expectations.

The beast tide continues to advance, and no one knows exactly where its destination lies.

In the distant Changbai Mountains, the golden eagle saw the oppression in the valley growing ever heavier, along with flickering spiritual light, and its face gradually turned the color of pig liver.

When it tried to pick up its phone to call and urge the monkey, seeing the pushed news, it became furious, for here it was toiling like an ox while the monkey was on the verge of becoming a legendary demon of the century!

Golden Eagle: "Monkey King, where the hell are you?!"

Great Sage Monkey King: "I've already left the Qilian Mountains, now I'm nearing the Longyuan Mountain Range—what's up?"

Golden Eagle: "What do you mean, 'what's up'?! I've seen the news—you have time to save people, did you forget me? Hurry up! Believe it or not, I'll die in the Changbai Mountains just to show you!"

"I'm here desperately preventing the Changbai Mountains from erupting, while you're off touring Daxia!"

Accompanied by the golden eagle's roaring bellow, the energy around it surged like a volcanic eruption!

The Monkey King involuntarily moved his phone farther away.

"Good brother, hold on a bit longer; I'll be there right away."

Golden Eagle: "I have an MMP to say, not sure if I should."

Hearing the busy signal from the other end of the conversation, the golden eagle again jumped in anger: "Damn monkey, you hung up on me again—wait for me!"

After seeing the scene in the valley, the golden eagle's eyes, full of fiery fury, turned into deep worry.

Countless strands of spiritual light piled up layer upon layer, like a bird about to spread its wings and fly, soaring out of this mountain valley.

Even if the golden eagle stands guard here, as time passes those phenomena cannot be contained, like endless converging river floods, ever ready to burst forth in danger.

At a glance, the snow‑capped peaks, now filled with a palpably ominous aura, countless variegated lights swirl here, flickering uncertainly in the valley like a gigantic signal lamp proclaiming its existence to the world.

Meanwhile, upon receiving the golden eagle's urging, the Great Sage Monkey King also sped up the beast tide's pace.

One strange peak after another came into view; far off, mountains stretched continuously, ridges layered, the range undulating like a green dragon, with wisps of cloud and mist weaving through, adding a touch of mystery.

The Great Sage Monkey King gazed at the ancient range, his pupils bursting with brilliant golden light, his whole body simmering with beast blood, as if about to ignite.

Longyuan Mountain!

It has finally returned.

Sensing the familiar auras within the Longyuan Mountain Range, the Great Sage Monkey King's heart surged with excitement.

Although he greatly wished to revisit his old haunt, affairs at Changbai were urgent, so all he could do was gaze at it from afar.

The Great Sage Monkey King drew a deep breath and suddenly let out a long howl to the heavens.

The previously frantic beast tide, as if understanding his intent, suddenly slowed its steps; the whole black river‑like flow grew quiet.

This noticeable change was quickly spotted by the Daxia officials who were closely monitoring the beast tide's movements.

"Did you hear that roar just now? It's emanating from the heart of the beast tide."

"Strange, why did the beast tide suddenly slow down?"

"Could it be that they've reached their destination?"

"Sure enough, it's related to Longyuan Mountain!"

Many observers chattered, but because of the earlier mishap at Qilian Mountain, they couldn't readily draw conclusions for the moment.

Under everyone's gaze, the heaven‑enveloping beast tide gradually came to a halt; even the birds in the sky like dark clouds stopped advancing, continually circling in midair.

Dust flew up, obscuring the sky.

The Great Sage Monkey King slowly raised his head; this was like a signal, and all the wild beasts roared and howled.

"Hoohoo!"

"Owoo!"

Endless fierce beasts roared, like a great river descending from the nine heavens, and like myriad thunderclaps shaking heaven and earth.

They knelt down in unison towards the distant mountain range, respectfully kowtowing! (End of chapter)